The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that when the vehicle was in reverse, there was a loud squealing sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer six times to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the rear brakes needed to be repaired. The gaskets and brake calibers were…
2021 Ford Bronco Sport brakes problems
moderate 94 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
94
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 94 brakes complaints filed for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 94 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has widespread brake defects affecting vacuum booster function, rear brake noise, and brake wear patterns that Ford has struggled to fix. Critical issues include sudden brake-assist loss (a safety hazard), persistent moaning noises in reverse that dealers cannot eliminate, and recall parts that remain unavailable months after recall issuance—leaving some owners unable to address safety concerns.
Owners consistently report three major brake problems. First, the vacuum booster fails suddenly—brake pedal becomes rock-hard and stops working without warning, forcing owners to rely on the parking brake. Some had vacuum lines snap off at the check valve. This happened at low mileage and sometimes again within months of replacement. Ford issued Recall 21V922 to address it, but the part has been unavailable for 6+ months at a time, leaving owners unable to get repairs.
Second, rear brakes emit a loud moaning or screeching noise whenever the vehicle is in reverse—described as "wake the neighbors" loud. It happens consistently when cold and at startup. Dealerships have replaced calipers, bushings, pads, and rotors multiple times on the same vehicles with no permanent fix. Ford released TSB 22-2326 to address it but has not issued a recall.
Third, front brakes wear abnormally fast and squeal frequently. Owners report front pads worn out by 30,000 miles while rear pads are still good—the opposite of what normally happens. Replacements fail within weeks.
Dealers have told owners the noises are "acceptable," the wear is "normal," or that no fix exists. Some VINs in the recall scope were never actually fixed. Ford has not offered buybacks, loaners, or rental cars while owners wait for parts.
Same Ford Bronco Sport brakes reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Brake Vacuum Booster Failure / Brake Assist Loss
Vacuum booster malfunction causing loss of brake assist, resulting in extremely stiff brake pedal and severely degraded stopping power. Owners report the brake pedal becoming hard and unresponsive, sometimes unusable without extreme force. In several cases, vacuum lines detached or broke at the check valve connection. Some owners experienced complete brake system failure requiring parking brake to stop the vehicle.
When: Incidents reported from very low mileage (brand new) to 40,000+ miles. One owner experienced recurrence within six months of replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely stiff, hard brake pedal requiring heavy pressure; Sudden loss of brake assist; Brake pedal goes to floor with no stopping power; Grinding noise during brake application; Hissing sound from under hood; No warning lights or pre-failure indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum line replacement or booster replacement. One owner paid ~$450 for diagnostic, part, and labor out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 21V922 (21C31) / Campaign 21V922000 issued for brake system. Some affected VINs not included in recall. Recall repair parts were unavailable for extended periods (several months to 6+ months). Some dealerships told owners parts would not be available until January 2023 or beyond.
Rear Brake Moaning/Screeching Noise in Reverse
Abnormal loud moaning, groaning, squealing, or screeching sound coming from rear brakes when vehicle is in reverse and brake pedal is depressed. Noise described as 'whale moaning,' 'ship horn,' and 'wake up the neighbors' loud. Occurs consistently on startup or every time vehicle is used, particularly when cold. Sound increases over time in many cases. Some owners report brake sticking on initial reverse after sitting overnight.
When: Starting from 600–1,200 miles to 46,000+ miles. Typically appears early in ownership (within first months to 2-3 years).
Symptoms owners cite: Loud moaning or groaning noise in reverse when braking; Squealing or screeching sound from rear brakes; Noise particularly pronounced on cold startup or after vehicle sitting overnight; Occasional pop or clicking noise when brakes release; Noise increases in frequency and intensity over time; Brake may stick initially before releasing
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 22-2326 (later revised to 23-2041 and 23-2308) calls for caliper pin and bushing replacement. Ford dealerships have replaced rear brake pads, rotors, calipers, and bushings; multiple repairs on same vehicle have not permanently resolved the noise. One owner reports repair cost estimate over $800 for new brakes and rotors. Many dealerships claim no fix available or noise is 'acceptable.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 22-2326 issued for caliper pins and bushings (later revisions 23-2041, 23-2308, 25-2143). Multiple TSBs and attempted fixes have not resolved the issue for many owners. Dealerships informed owners Ford knows of the issue but has no permanent solution. Some stated noise is 'acceptable.' One owner noted TSBs have delayed actual recall for three years, keeping 2021 models out of warranty.
Front Brake Squealing and Premature Wear
Front brakes exhibit intermittent to frequent squealing or squeal sounds during braking at various speeds. Pattern of abnormally rapid wear on front brake pads (within 30,000 miles) while rear pads remain underutilized. Black brake dust visible around tires. Brakes replaced multiple times with recurrence within days or weeks. Possible imbalance in brake system friction or pad coefficient of friction.
When: Within first few months to 30,000–36,000 miles. Some complaints at 10,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent to frequent squealing noise during braking; Squealing more pronounced at various speeds; Abnormally rapid wear of front brake pads; Front pads worn while rear pads still have significant life; Black brake dust around tires; Noise recurs within days/weeks of pad replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Front brake pads replaced multiple times; rotor replacement performed. Owners note front pads wear out when rear pads should last longer. One dealership acknowledged rear pads should normally last twice as long as front, but this vehicle showed opposite pattern. Ford references TSB 22-2387.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford references TSB 22-2387 for some cases. Dealership advised owners the repair would be their responsibility. Owners indicate possible defect in brake pad coefficient of friction per online forums. Warranty coverage denied for wear items.
Brake Warning Light and System Faults
Brake warning light illuminating and remaining on continuously or intermittently after startup, or dash showing 0% oil life warning unrelated to actual brake condition (later found to indicate vacuum booster failure or other system issues).
When: As early as 5,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light illuminates and remains on; Warning light present each time vehicle is started; 0% oil life warning displayed despite recent oil change
Repairs/costs cited: Owners with recall 21V922000 sought recall repair; parts were unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V922000 issued for Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Recall repair parts were not available at time of complaint for many owners.
Long Stopping Distance and Weak Brakes
Vehicle exhibits longer-than-normal stopping distances, requiring more braking effort and distance to come to complete stop. Brakes described as weak or requiring excessive pedal pressure. Some cases involve abnormal brake pad wear with no obvious cause. Issues reported at highway speeds and in heavy traffic.
When: Varying mileages, from purchase through 60,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Longer stopping distances than expected; Weak braking response; Excessive pedal pressure required to stop; Hard brake pedal; Abnormal brake pad and rotor wear; Firmness in brake pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Front and rear brake pads, rotors, and calipers replaced; issues persisted in some cases. No repair completed for some owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 21V922000 mentioned for some cases, but VINs not always included in recall scope. Dealerships unable to provide remedy.
Recall Parts Unavailability / Delayed Recall Repair
Extensive delays in availability of parts required for NHTSA Recall 21V922000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), causing owners unable to have recall work performed for months or longer. Owners report Ford has not provided reasonable timeline, alternate vehicles, or rental cars during repair delay period.
When: Recalls issued but parts unavailable for 3–6+ months or longer after recall notification.
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received but parts not available; Months-long delays in parts availability; Dealership unable to provide timeline for parts arrival; Manufacturer states more than 6 months before repair possible
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; vehicle not fixed during delay period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V922000 (Recall 21V922000) issued. Multiple owners report parts unavailable for extended periods. One owner noted parts distribution disconnect between manufacturer and dealerships. Manufacturer did not offer buyback, trade-in assistance, loaner vehicles, or rental cars during delay.
Synthesized from 94 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Our vehicle has multiple issues with it's brakes since we purchased the vehicle in December of 2021. Initially, when we would use our brakes while in reverse, the brakes would make a groaning sound (this started around January of 2022). We assumed it had something to do with the recall announced about the brakes of the vehicle and waited for parts to become available to get the brakes fixed. We…
Breaks squeal while in reverse.
The vehicle seems to have long stopping distances and I experienced shaking at highway speed. Also, when I back up, there is a very loud moaning noise, like a ‘ship horn’. This noise occurred several times from when I first bought the new vehicle and each time I took it to the dealer, they said they couldn’t duplicate the problem. That was over 4 times now that the dealer denied there was a…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 3 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and there was a loud honking sound inside the cabin on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the noise was heard at start-up and while reversing and depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact…
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 94 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 5,000 and 35,563 miles, with the median around 10,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 35,563. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/Bronco Sport.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.